RFQ.pdf

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR)

REQUEST FOR QUOTE - INFORMAL

RFQ COVER SHEET

Administrative Information:

TITLE OF RFQ: Red Cedar WMA: Weed tree/Invasive RFQ Number: 24CRDWBTRUSS10-24-23-1

Bureau: Wildlife Bureau

DNR seeks to purchase:

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a qualified Contractor to conduct a

52.2 acre, Crop Tree Release and a 2.8 acre, understory tree removal project at the Red Cedar Wildlife Management Area in Muscatine County.

Number of mos. or yrs. of the initial term of the contract: 3 months Number of possible annual extensions: N/A

Tentative Contract term start date: Dec. 1, 2023 Tentative Contract term end date: March 1, 2024

DNR Issuing Officer: Travis Russell

563-260-9864, travis.russell@dnr.iowa.gov

Odessa Wildlife Unit, 9726 Co Rd X61, Wapello, IA 52653

PROCUREMENT TIMETABLE—Event or Action: Date/Time (Central Time):

DNR Posts Notice of RFQ on TSB website 11/3/2023 at 9:00am

DNR Issues RFQ 11/6/2023 at 9:00am RFQ written questions, requests for clarification, and suggested changes from Respondents are due: 11/15/2023

DNR’s written response to RFQ questions, requests for clarifications, and suggested changes are due: 11/17/2023

Quotes Due Date: 11/20/2023

Quotes Due Time: 3:00pm

Anticipated Date to Issue Notice of Intent to Award: 11/27/2023

Anticipated Date to Execute Contract: 12/1/2023 Relevant Websites: Web-address:

Internet website where contract terms and conditions are posted:

https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20services.p df https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20goods.pdf http://iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/RFP-Bid-Lettings

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Bidder Instructions

Bidder is to download this document and save to computer. Once saved, type in responses to the required sections and save again. As an option, the Bidder may print, write in responses, scan, and email response.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Quote (RFQ) is to solicit bids from qualified providers to provide the goods and/or services described further in this RFQ to the DNR. The DNR intends to award a contract(s) beginning and ending on the dates listed in this solicitation, and the DNR may extend the contract(s) for up to the number of annual extensions identified in this solicitation at the sole discretion of the DNR. Any contract(s) resulting from the RFQ will not be an exclusive contract.

“Responsible Bidder” means a Bidder that has the capability in all respects to perform the requirements of the Contract. In determining whether a Bidder is a Responsible Bidder, the DNR may consider various factors https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20services.pdf https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20services.pdf https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/procurement/pdf/050116%20terms%20goods.pdf including, but not limited to, the Bidder’s competence and qualifications to provide the goods or services requested, the Bidder’s integrity and reliability, the past performance of the Bidder relative to the quality of the goods or services offered by the Bidder and the best interest of the DNR.

“Responsive Bid” means a Bid that complies with each of the provisions of this RFQ, or is either an alternative bid or a bid with an exception, if accepted by the DNR.

1.3 Background Information

This RFQ is designed to provide Bidders with the information necessary for the preparation of competitive Bids.

The RFQ process is for the DNR’s benefit and is intended to provide the DNR with competitive information to assist in the selection process. It is not intended to be comprehensive. Each Bidder is responsible for determining all factors necessary for submission of a comprehensive Bid.

The Red Cedar Wildlife Area is located in Muscatine County. The Iowa DNR implemented a forest wildlife stewardship plan that includes prescriptions such as timber stand improvements and invasive species removal among other activities. This project is a part of implementing the forest wildlife stewardship plan for the Red Cedar Wildlife Area.

SECTION 2 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

2.1 Issuing Officer

The Issuing Officer identified in this solicitation is the sole point of contact regarding the RFQ from the date of issuance until selection of the successful Bidder.

2.2 Restriction on Communication

From the issue date of this RFQ until announcement of the successful Bidder, Bidders may contact only the Issuing Officer. The Issuing Officer will respond only to electronic questions regarding the procurement process.

Questions related to the interpretation of this RFQ must be submitted as provided in Section 2.3. Oral questions related to the interpretation of this RFQ will not be accepted. Bidders may be disqualified if they contact any DNR employee other than the Issuing Officer about the RFQ.

The DNR assumes no responsibility for oral representations made by its officers or employees unless such representations are confirmed in writing and incorporated into the RFQ through an addendum.

2.3 Questions, Requests for Clarification, and Suggested Changes Bidders are invited to submit written questions and requests for clarifications regarding the RFQ. Bidders may also submit suggestions for changes to the specifications of this RFQ. The questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions must be in writing and received by the Issuing Officer on or before the date and time listed on the RFQ cover sheet. Oral questions will not be permitted. If the questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions pertain to a specific section of the RFQ, Bidder will reference the page and section number(s). The DNR will send written responses to questions, requests for clarifications, or suggestions received from Respondents on or before the date listed on the RFQ cover sheet. The DNR’s written responses will become an addendum to the RFQ. If the DNR decides to adopt a suggestion that modifies the RFQ, the DNR will issue an addendum to the RFP.

2.4 Amendment to the RFQ

The DNR reserves the right to amend the RFQ at any time using an addendum. The Bidder will acknowledge receipt of all addenda in its Bid. It is the Bidder’s sole responsibility to check daily for addenda to posted documents.

2.5 Submission of Bids

The DNR must receive the Bid before the “Bids Due” date and time. This is a mandatory requirement and will not be waived by the DNR. Any Bid received after this deadline will not be accepted. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to ensure the bid is received prior to the deadline.

2.6 Costs of Preparing the Bid

The costs of preparation and delivery of the Bid are solely the responsibility of the Bidder.

2.7 No Commitment to Contract

The DNR reserves the right to reject any or all Bids received in response to this RFQ, cancel this RFQ, or advertise a new RFQ at any time prior to the execution of the Contract. Issuance of this RFQ in no way constitutes a commitment by the DNR to award a contract.

2.8 Nonmaterial Variances

The DNR reserves the right to determine whether a Bid substantially complies with the requirements of this RFQ.

Nonmaterial variances are not necessarily disqualifying. The determination of materiality is in the sole discretion of the DNR.

2.9 Public Records and Requests for Confidential Treatment

In order to request confidential treatment, you must comply with the provisions of 561 Iowa Administrative Code chapter 2, which may be found at the following location:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/agencies. 561 Iowa Administrative Code section 2.5(7) provides that all claims for confidential treatment made to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources must be substantiated in writing with the following information.

1) A statement of all measures the business has taken to protect the confidentiality of the information, and a statement of intent to continue to take such measures;

2) Practices and policies of other businesses, if known, regarding confidentiality of similar information;

3) A statement that the information is not, and has not been, reasonably attainable without the consent of the business by other persons other than government bodies by use of legitimate means;

4) A statement demonstrating that disclosure of the information is likely to cause substantial harm to the business’s competitive position; and

5) A reference to any other determinations of confidential status of the information or similar information.

2.10 Release of Claims

By submitting a Bid, the Bidder agrees that it will not bring any claim or cause of action against the DNR based on any misunderstanding concerning the information provided herein or concerning the DNR's failure, negligent or otherwise, to provide the Bidder with pertinent information in this RFQ.

2.11 Evaluation of Quotes Submitted

The DNR will evaluate the Responsive Bids submitted by Responsible Bidders to determine the lowest responsible bidder(s) and will award the Contract(s) to the Bidder(s) submitting the lowest responsible bid(s) based on price.

2.12 Award Notice and Acceptance Period

Notice of Intent to Award the Contract(s) will be sent to all Bidders submitting a timely Bid. Negotiation and execution of the Contract(s) will be completed no later than thirty (30) days from the date of the Notice of Intent to Award. If the apparent successful Bidder fails to negotiate and deliver an executed contract by that date, the DNR, in its sole discretion, may cancel the award and award the Contract to the remaining Bidder the DNR believes will provide the best value to the DNR.

2.13 No Contract Rights until Execution

Bidders will not acquire any legal or equitable rights regarding the Contract unless and until the Contract has been fully executed by the successful Bidder and the DNR.

SECTION 3 – STATEMENT OF WORK AND SPECIFICATIONS

Overview https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/agencies

The successful Respondent will provide the services to the DNR in accordance with the requirements as provided in this Scope of Work.

3.1 Statement of Work The Contractor shall conduct crop tree release in stand 16 (12 acres), stand 17 (6.8 acres), stand 18 (6.9 acres), stand 26 (19.7 acres), stand 28 (6.8 acres), and understory tree removal in stand 16A (0.6acres), stand 15A (0.3 acres), stand 19A (1 acre), and 23A (0.9 acres) shown on the attached map (Exhibit A).

The total amount of woodland area receiving treatment is 55 acres. The crop tree release work (52.2 acres) will consist of either felling or double or single-girdling trees that have been pre-marked with orange paint. The majority of the felled and girdled trees will not be treated with herbicide. Any exceptions will be outlined in task 1 below. The understory tree removal work (2.8 acres) will consist of dropping all designated tree species 1 to 8 inches in diameter to the ground and breaking any tree tops down to 4.5 feet off the ground and chemically treating the stumps, and killing any designated tree species greater than 8 inches in diameter standing and treating girdle with the appropriate herbicide.

Statement of Work. Contractor will perform the following Tasks by the Task Milestone Dates set out in the following table:

Deliverables Task Milestone Date Task 1: Crop Tree Release (CTR) 52.2 aces Stands 16, 17, 18, 26, and 28 Description: Trees with an orange horizontal band 8 inches in diameter or less (measured at

4.5 feet off the ground) can be felled flush to the ground or double-girdled at a convenient height (No Herbicides). Trees with an orange horizontal band greater than 8 inches in diameter will be double-girdled at a convenient height (No Herbicides). Two complete chainsaw girdles/cuts will be made 1 to 2 inches deep-measured from the inside layer of the bark (2 inches deep on trees 10 inches in diameter or greater) around the entire tree, 4 to 8 inches apart. Each cut must be complete with no open gaps.

Trees with orange vertical stripes 8 inches in diameter or less (measured at 4.5 feet off the ground) can be felled flush to the ground or single-girdled at a convenient height and treated with an appropriate herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Trees with orange vertical stripes greater than 8 inches in diameter will be single-girdled at a convenient height and treated with an appropriate herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. One complete chainsaw girdle will be made 1 to 2 inches deep-measured from the inside layer of the bark (2 inches deep on trees 10 inches in diameter or greater) around the entire tree. The cut must be complete with no open gaps. Do not use any chemical with the active ingredient picloram (i.e. Tordon) for this purpose. Chemicals used in performing these practices shall be applied according to authorized use, label direction, and other federal or state policies and requirements.

Applicator shall hold an Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicators License issued by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Pesticide Bureau and provide license # to the DNR Project Manager unless a non-restricted herbicide is being used, and has been approved by the DNR Project Manager.

In addition to cutting the marked trees, the contractor shall carefully cut any vines that are impeding growth on high quality crop trees (i.e. shellbark hickory, black walnut, red oak, pin oak, Kentucky coffeetree, bur oak, hackberry, and bitternut hickory) in all stands, and also break down branches and tree tops of any trees felled during the management activities that are above breast height (4.5 feet).

No later than March 1, 2024

Task 2: Understory Tree Removal (Weed Tree) 2.8 acres Stands 15A, 16A, 19A, and 23A Description: Boundary lines of the project stands were marked using orange dots on boundary trees (treatment areas on inside of painted boundary). Contractor shall remove and cut level to the ground all (1 to 8 inches in diameter at breast height): bitternut hickory, elm, honeylocust, hackberry, basswood, cottonwood, silver maple, white mulberry, hawthorn, and boxelder trees. All stumps of removed trees must be cut flat and level to the ground, and be treated with a herbicide labeled for this use to prevent re-sprouting. Do not

No later than March 1, 2024

Deliverables Task Milestone Date use any chemical with the active ingredient picloram (i.e. Tordon) for this purpose. All trees must be lying on the ground and none can be left leaning on adjacent trees. Also, break down branches and tree tops of any felled trees that are above breast height (4.5 feet).

Any oak, shellbark hickory, black walnut, and Kentucky coffeetree in the treatment area will be left alone including all marked boundary trees. Trees greater than 8 inches in diameter will be killed standing with a single girdle with a chainsaw all the way around the trunk and treating these wounds with a herbicide labeled for such use. One complete chainsaw girdle will be made 1 to 2 inches deep-measured from the inside layer of the bark (2 inches deep on trees 10 inches in diameter or greater) around the entire tree. The cut must be complete with no open gaps. Do not use any chemical with the active ingredient picloram (i.e. Tordon) for this purpose. Chemicals used in performing these practices shall be applied according to authorized use, label direction, and other federal or state policies and requirements.

Applicator shall hold an Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicators License issued by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Pesticide Bureau and provide license # to the DNR Project Manager unless a nonrestricted herbicide is being used, and has been approved by the DNR Project Manager.

Section 4 - Form of Bid Instructions – Bidder is to complete the following. Fill out items with blanks. Indicate “yes” or “no” on items requesting agreement. If a “no” response is indicated, exception must be noted on Attachment 3.

4.1 Bidder Information

Business Name:

Official Address:

Firm's State or Foreign Country of Residence:

Sales Contact:

Telephone Number: Fax Number:

Email: Iowa Contractor Registration #:

4.2 Contract Terms and Conditions

The Contract(s) that the DNR expects to award as a result of this solicitation will be based upon the final Bid submitted by the successful Bidder and the solicitation. The contract between the DNR and the successful Bidder will be a combination of the specifications, terms and conditions of the solicitation, the contract terms and conditions in this solicitation, the offer of the Bidder contained in the final Bid submitted by the Bidder, written clarifications or changes made in accordance with the provisions of the solicitation, and any other terms deemed necessary by the DNR, except that no objection or amendment by a Bidder to the provisions or terms and conditions of the solicitation will be incorporated into the Contract unless the DNR has explicitly accepted the Bidder’s objection or amendment in writing. By submitting a response, each bidder acknowledges its acceptance of the terms and conditions of the contract template “DNR Standard Contract Conditions” and “General Conditions” found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/RFP-Bid-Lettings.

Bidder has read and agrees to this section: Yes No

4.3 Specifications

Bidder is able to provide and performed as specified in Section 3. By indicating “yes”, a Bidder agrees that it will comply with that requirement throughout the full term of the resulting Contract, if the Bidder is successful. In http://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/RFP-Bid-Lettings addition, for specific requirements, the Bidder will provide, if requested, specific references and/or supportive information to verify the Bidder’s compliance with the requirement. Failure to provide this information may cause the Bid to be deemed non-responsive and therefore rejected. The DNR reserves the right to determine whether the supportive information submitted by the Bidder demonstrates the Bidder will be able to comply with the Bid Requirements. If the DNR determines the supportive information does not demonstrate the Bidder will be able to comply with the Bid Requirements, the DNR may disqualify the Bid. Please enter the required information on the attachment and upload the document.

4.4 Insurance

The Contract will require the successful Respondent to maintain insurance coverage(s) in accordance with the insurance provisions of the General Terms and Conditions and of the type and in the minimum amounts set forth below, unless otherwise required by the DNR.

TYPE OF INSURANCE LIMIT AMOUNT

General Liability (including contractual liability) written on an occurrence basis

General Aggregate Products - $2 million Comp/Op Aggregate $1 Million Personal injury $1 Million Each Occurrence $1 Million

Automobile Liability (including contractual liability) written on an occurrence basis Combined single limit $1 Million

Property Damage Each Occurrence $1 Million Aggregate $1 Million

Workers Compensation and Employer Liability As Required by Iowa law As required by Iowa law

The Contractor is required to submit certificate of insurance, which indicates coverage and notice provisions as required. The insurer will state in the certificate that no cancellation of the insurance may be made without at least thirty (30) days’ prior to written notice to the DNR. Acceptance of the insurance certificates by the DNR will not act to relieve the Contractor of any obligation under this Contract. It will be the responsibility of Contractor to keep the respective insurance policies and coverages current and in force during the life of this Contract.

Contractor will be responsible for all premiums, deductibles and for any inadequacy, absence or limitation of coverage, and the Contractor will have no claim or other recourse against the DNR for any costs or loss attributable to any of the foregoing, all of which will be borne solely by the Contractor. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Contract, Contractor will be fully responsible and liable for meeting and fulfilling all of its obligations under this section of the Contract.

4.5 Payment Terms

Per Iowa Code § 8A.514 the DNR of Iowa is allowed sixty (60) days to pay an invoice submitted by a Bidder.

4.6 Cost Proposal

Bidder’s Cost Proposal must include an all-inclusive, itemized, total cost in U.S. Dollars (including all travel, expenses, etc. in prices). All pricing to be FOB Destination, freight cost and all expenses included; and based on Net 60 Days Payment Terms. The following template is required. Please use additional pages to provide any additional narrative support for the costing information.

https://dasebid.ionwave.net/Desktop.aspx?pid=259&caid=3&at=19&ret=254&bret=252 https://dasebid.ionwave.net/Desktop.aspx?pid=255&caid=3&at=21&ret=254&bret=252

Task

(should match task in Section 3- SOW)

Unit Cost Time Frame Total Costs

Task 1: Crop Tree Release

Quantity: 52.2 acres No later than March 1, 2024 $ $ / Per acre

(what is the unit - acre, hour, etc.)

Task 2: Understory Tree Removal (Weed Tree)

Quantity: 2.8 acres No later than March 1, 2024 $ $ / Per acre

(what is the unit - acre, hour, etc.)

Grand Total Quote $

Signature:

Date:

Printed Name and Title:

Name of Contractor Organization:

Address:

Phone: E-mail:

ATTACHMENT #3 - EXCEPTIONS FORM

Please list any and all exceptions to this RFQ in this section. Include section and reason for exception: (Make additional pages if necessary)

Section Exception

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.